Latest update March 18th, 2024 12:59 AM
Jan 19, 2016 News
– related endeavours
The Guyana Elections Commission’s (GECOM) ongoing voter education campaign is set to be further enhanced through foreign provisions. The body has been given funding earmarked for the purchase of several pieces
of equipment and manuals needed to facilitate such a drive.
In less than two months, Guyanese will head to the polls to vote in the first Local Government Elections (LGE) in decades.
The Government of Canada has joined with GECOM in the body’s quest to host smooth elections that receive participation from a well informed voting population.
In this regard, the Canadian High Commission in Guyana has signed an agreement with GECOM for a C’dn$25,000 grant.
The agreement was signed at GECOM’s Kingston location yesterday morning.
At the ceremony, Canada’s High Commissioner to Guyana, Pierre Giroux, indicated that the contribution will go to procure equipment to assist GECOM in its preparations for the elections as well as on E-day.
The envoy said, “Canada has been a strong supporter of the electoral process here in Guyana and we were extremely pleased when we heard of the fixed date of March 18 for the local elections”. He restated a position long held by his country which is, that Local Elections are extremely important to democracy.
He said that Local Government institutions bring government closer to the people fostering greater inclusion, civic responsibility, empowerment and participation.
The Canadian envoy vowed continuous Canadian support for Guyana. “Canada remains committed to the Americas and is working with its partners to increase economic opportunity, strengthen security and institutions and foster lasting relationships.”
Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield, thanked the Canadian government for the support, while pointing out that “no amount of support would be adequate”.
GECOM intends to use the money contributed by the Canadian Government to purchase several pieces of equipment including public address systems and steps which will be used across the country as part of GECOM’s education of the voter drive.
The Chairman of GECOM, Dr. Steve Surujbally, noted that GECOM has been stepping up its public education programme for the local government elections, recognising that it will have to do more.
Dr. Surujbally pointed out that training has been ongoing with GECOM staff members as they gear up for the local government polls. The elections will be held in neighbourhood democratic councils and municipalities across the country.
A whopping 103 symbols have been accepted by GECOM to represent various groups, parties, organisations and persons who will be contesting the elections.
LGE will be held on March, 18. The last LGE took place in 1994. (Abena Rockcliffe)
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